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On day two of the AtaHolding World Cup Qualifier in San Diego CA, USA the top three teams all booked a second straight victory. The women’s teams of USA, Korea and Belgium all moved to six points out of three matches.
Eerily similar to the first day of the ATAHolding Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier, day two also included three shutouts; with Korea and Belgium both beating their respective opponents, Canada and Mexico, by six goals. Host USA topped France (3-0) in the final match of the day.
Fatigue did not seem to be a factor for Korea today in their match against Canada, as they scored four of their six goals in the second half. Scoring big for Korea was Mihyun Park, who netted her second and third goals of the tournament, respectively; and Seul Ki Cheon who scored twice off lifted penalty corner shots in the final five minutes of the match.
Against Mexico, Belgium got off to a strong start and ended the first half up four goals. Unlike Korea, however, Belgium was not able to keep up their scoring momentum into the second half. Mexico’s strong defense hindered Belgium’s ability to shoot effectively and the match ended 0-6 in favor of Belgium. Leading the way for Belgium was Captain Sofie Gierts who had a hat-trick (of field goals).
In the final match, France stymied host USA’s chances to get on the board early. A Katie Reinprecht field goal in the 25th minute catalyzed USA’s scoring; with a Maren Ford field goal coming just four minutes later. Similar to the previous match between Mexico and Belgium, the USA had trouble scoring in the second half. The USA’s third score in the 39th minute held as their last. France tried to gain possession long enough to get a score off, but unable to do so the match ended France 0, USA 3.
With these results, USA, Korea and Belgium are the co-leaders of the AtaHolding World Cup Qualifier. After Sunday’s rest day, the tournament resumes on Monday with the first spectacular clash when USA meet Belgium. Other day three matches are Korea-Mexico and Canada-France.
Only the winner of this event will earn a spot for the BDO FIH World Cup, to be played in Rosario, Argentina early September 2010.
Please click here for direct access to the micro site of the AtaHolding World Cup Qualifier.
